Page 416 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

10. Never use electrical appliances near sinks,

bathtubs, or other water sources.
11. Always disconnect a plug from the outlet before
cleaning equipment or appliances.

12. If a client receives an electrical shock, turn off

the electricity before touching the client.
C. Radiation safety (Refer to Chapter 44 for additional radiation
safety measures)
1. Know the protocols and guidelines of the health care
agency.
2. Label potentially radioactive material.

3. To reduce exposure to radiation, do the

following.
a. Limit the time spent near the source.
b. Make the distance from the source as
great as possible.
c. Use a shielding device such as a lead
apron.
4. Monitor radiation exposure with a film (dosimeter)
badge.
5. Place the client who has a radiation implant in a
private room.
6. Never touch dislodged radiation implants.
7. Keep all linens in the client’s room until the implant is
removed.
D. Disposal of infectious wastes

1. Handle all infectious materials as a hazard.
2. Dispose of waste in designated areas only, using
proper containers for disposal.
3. Ensure that infectious material is labeled properly.
4. Dispose of all sharps immediately after use in closed,
puncture-resistant disposal containers that are leak-
proof and labeled or color-coded.

Needles (sharps) should not be recapped, bent, or broken

because of the risk of accidental injury (needle stick).
E. Physiological changes in the older client that increase the risk of
accidents (Box 13-1)

F. Risk for falls assessment

1. Should be client-centered and include the use of a fall

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